Hello Instructables!
Here is the new build of my Infared Led Rainbow Cloud.
Super easy to build, all you need is leds, resistors and an infrared sensor.

Heres what's changed
- Better code
- Requires a remote with fewer buttons
- Wall mount
- Power supply (not usb)
- More detailed instructions
- Schematic

I'm leaving the old one up because it requires less parts and might be better suited for some.
I would consider this a beginner/ intermediate project. You should be familiar with using arduino libraries, and you will also have to play around with the IR receive codes. Don't be discouraged if you've never done that before, as long as you're familiar with the basic arduino sketches you should be able to handle this! I'm making this instructable very indepth, anyone can follow along :]

Every color in individually controlled. Ive put up 3 pictures of different shades PURPLE :]

Step 1: What You Need

Supplies:
-Light weight, transparent container. example
-Mesh Spackle tape. example
-Pollyfill stuffing
-Fishing line or thread to hang
-Arduino
-LEDs, Wires, Resistors, Infrared sensor and Remote
-Battery or power source for arduino
-Breadboard or blank circuit board, I used this one from Radio Shack.

Tools:
-Hot Glue
-Soldering iron (optional)
-Wire cutter, strippers

Step 2: Hardware

Super easy to build, all you need is leds, resistors and an infrared sensor.
In the last build I left out the resistors and just had as many LEDS as I could being powered in parallel of one pin. This is because I was planning on displaying in for a class where it would have to be as bright as possible however this means the leds will burn out rather fast.
I made this schematic using Fritzing.

Figure out what resistors you will need for your leds with this lovely tool.
I think I used 220s for most of mine.

LEDS
For your LEDS stick the negative leg in the negative row, and the positive leg in the "regular" row.
Bridge across the the center of any row that has an LED the proper resistor.
Connect the row with the resistor to the corresponding pin.

RECEIVER
The side with the bum is the front (this diagram shows an N)
RT pin in positive row
Center pin in negative row
Left pin in a row connected to pin 11

CONNECT IT
Connect your 2 negative rows, probably not necessary, but I like to do it because I often add things on later.
Connect your 2 positive rows, same deal.
Connect the negative row to ground and
Connect the positive row to 5 volts.

DONE!

Step 3: Code

Install the IR remote library
http://www.arcfn.com/2009/08/multi-protocol-infrared-remote-library.html

Open arduino. File > Examples > IRrecDemo
(at this point I changed HEX to DEC in the void loop, if you want to use my code exactly so should you)
Open a word doc, or similar program, use text boxes to draw out where the buttons are on your remote.
You dont need a special remote, your tv remote will do.
Upload and run IRrecv, open the serial window.
Press each button one at a time, and copy the code that comes up into the map of the remote you made.
I like to press each button three times in a row to make sure the code I copy is correct. Holding the button down at all transmits a different code.

Check to make sure none of your codes repeat. If they do, you can only use one of the buttons because they will do the same things. You shouldn't have this problem if you stay with HEX, however I not realize that and switched to DEC, however it didn't affect my out come.

Download the code attached to this page.
Scroll down to void loop and start changing #s in the results.value == ##### to the code of the button you want
If you are using HEX I believe you have to define your button codes at the beginning

Example

//rain

if (results.value == 2701970435)

BECOMES
//rain

if (results.value == YOUR_NUMBERS_HERE)

rainbow_bools.rar
Download

Step 4: Optional: Decorate Remote

I used a big novelty remote from Dollar Tree, it was 5$.
I unscrewed the shell and removed the buttons.
I painted the buttons with nail polish (it was all I had on hand), but it started to chip after use.
You can see the rain and rainbow buttons on the upper right are very chipped after its time in the gallery.
I am going to re-do it in the future by spray painting the buttons white and color them with sharpies, or with a different paint.

Step 5: The Cloud

Take the plastic container; something light weight, and clear. Mine was from spinach.
Attach fishing line or thread to the corners of main part of the container, not to the lid. Secure them in the middle so that it hangs evenly.

With the lid off, hang the container at a comfortable height to work on it. Attach the mesh tape in arches to help disguise the squareness of the box. To do this, cut lengths between about 6 inches and a foot, hot glue down one end, and then the other making sure the tape is arching away from the container. Creating an X with the arches helps to give more support. (in the picture my cloud was starting to look a bit square-ish from being squished while transporting it. But before it was much puffier looking)

Next, hot glue puffs of poly fill around the whole container.

Next, Poke wholes in the lid of the box, and use twist ties, wire scraps or cable ties to secure the breadboard or circuit board and arduino to the lid of the container. If you used a battery secure that down as well, if you are using a power cord, poke a whole in the top of the container in the middle and feed it through.

Flip the lid over and cover it and create puffs on top the same way you did on the outside of the container.

The wall bracket is an L shelf bracket and a wooden dowel.